Invasive Plants of the Adirondacks - Adirondack Park Invasive Plant ...

AQUATIC
INVASIVE PLANTS
Invasive aquatic plants are a real and serious
threat to Adirondack lakes, ponds,
rivers, and streams. These plants are not
native to Adirondack waters. When introduced,
they outcompete beneficial native
plants, spread rapidly, and interfere with
navigation and recreation. A small piece
of just one plant can infest an entire lake.
Once infestations are widespread, control
efforts are difficult and costly. Prevention,
early detection, and rapid response are
keys to successful eradication.
QUICK TIPS FOR SPREAD PREVENTION
v Use native or noninvasive plants in ornamental ponds
and water gardens.
v Check and remove all clinging plants from watercraft,
gear, and equipment.
v Avoid boating, paddling, or swimming through dense
plant beds.
v Never transport live baitfish between waters.
v Never release aquaria plants and animals into the wild.
EURASIAN WATERMILFOIL
Myriophyllum spicatum ORIGIN: Europe, Asia
DESCRIPTION Eurasian watermilfoil is a submerged
perennial that looks like many native aquatic plants,
including native milfoil species. Eurasian watermilfoil
usually has four feathery leaves whorled around the
stem. Each leaf is finely divided and has greater than
nine leaflets. The plant can reach lengths of 20 feet and
branches near the surface. Tiny pink flowers may occur
on an emergent spike during late summer.
HABITAT This plant grows in a variety of depths, sediment
types, and flowing conditions.
THREAT Plant fragments, which break off easily, can be
transported from lake to lake on boat trailers or fishing
gear. These fragments can start new populations, which
form dense mats that degrade habitat and reduce
recreational access.
MANAGEMENT Once milfoil becomes well-established
within a waterbody, it is very difficult to remove. A variety
of control methods used nationwide to manage milfoil
infestations include physical, mechanical, biological, and
chemical techniques.
Photo: Hilary Oles, APIPP
Inset: Gordon Keyes
Plant fragments can be easily
transported from lake to lake on
boat trailers or fishing gear.